Dear Everyone,
It is with sadness that I announce the passing of John Michael Morgan. John was the narrator of my audiobooks and an exceptional actor.
When I was choosing the narrator for The Gabriel Series, I had the opportunity to listen to a number of audition tapes from very talented actors. John immediately caught my attention with his ability to morph into different characters. His audio recordings of The Gabriel Series are incredible. I still listen to them, fascinated by his performance.
When it came time to choose a narrator for The Florentine Series, I requested John. Unfortunately, he was ill at that time. But John wanted to record the audiobooks despite his illness and so we were delighted to be able to work with him once again.
My novels aren’t easy for a single actor to perform. There are many characters and nationalities presented. The characters sometimes speak in different languages or with unique accents. The Florentine Series in particular provided challenging material. John didn’t simply narrate The Raven and The Shadow – he performed them. He brought life to all the characters, especially the Prince, in a way that reminded me of the radio shows of long ago.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing and I wish to express my condolences to his friends and family. Please join me in remembering John. You can read a previous post that includes his biography here. You can listen to a sample of his exceptional narration here.
Thank you for listening,
SR
I am honoured to have had all three of my novels appear on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists. I was a Semifinalist for Best Author in the 2011 and 2012 Goodreads Choice Awards. {
Oh my heavens, I am deeply sorry to hear this news. We grew to love his voice that so eloquently brought your stories to life like no other audio performance that I could ever recall. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and loved ones.
Ellie Totten
Oh my goodness. I am so sorry to read of his passing. He most certainly did bring the characters of The Florentine Series to life. You, as the author, and we as the readers, were certainly blessed to have had him narrate both The Gabriel Series and The Florentine Series.
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all…
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss…
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life’s been full, I’ve savored much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief –
Don’t shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.
An Irish Blessing.
Pam, we read this poem at my father’s funeral at his request.
Seeing it hear makes JMM passing even more personal. Even though I didn’t know the him personally listening to his narrations makes me feel that I did know him. Such a sad loss of a very talented man.
Yes, he truly breathed life and love into his narration of your books. What a loss.
Oh my! My heart is broken, God rest his soul, may comfort come to all those who loved and adored John. The man and his talent will always be remembered. Blessings to you Sylvain Reynard.
Lo siento muchisimo. Recordare siempre su hermosa voz y le estare profundamente agradecida por darle voz al alma de tus maravillosos personajes, el los hizo un poco mas reales , si cabe, para todos nosotros. El ha sido y sera para mi anónimo y admirado profesor de dicciión. Descanse en paz.
Ana (SRFansSpain)
I am shocked and extremely sad. My condolences to family and friends.
Oh dear! I am so very sorry to hear this loss. I enjoyed hearing his voice thru your stories SR. I am sure he was an incredible man. He will be missed. Hugs to you xoxo
I am shocked of the passing of John Morgan. I enjoyed and still enjoying his talent. May you RIP. Peace be with family and friends. ?
I am so sad to hear of his death. The world has loss another very talented individual. His reading brought all the characters to life. He is the reason I am able to listen to Gabriel’s Inferno Series over and over again. He will be miss dearly. My condolences to his friends and family.
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I loved how he read all of your books, I have bought every single one-he was that talented. My heart goes out to his family. May you all have peace.
Rest in Peace John Michael Morgan, you will be missed.
Sorry for your loss and the loss to John Michael Morgan’s Family and Friends.
Rest in Paradise John.
I am sorry to hear about John my thoughts are with his loved ones. I will truly miss his voice on the SR”s books. I will think of him with fond memories.
SR, I appreciate your lovely tribute to a talented soul. Though I have yet to listen to the entire catalog, the clips I have heard showcased a wonderful performance. My prayers and condolences go to his family and friends during this difficult time. Peace to all.
I am truly sorry to learn of John Michael Morgan’s passing. I have commented on many forums that IMO he is the best narrator of audio books that I have had the pleasure to listen to. When I listen to his narration it’s like a movie playing in my head. Please pass on my deepest condolences to his family and friends. I’m sure he will be very sadly missed. VALE John Michael Morgan.
In a very selfish note I will miss his narration of The Roman but when I read the book it will be his voice I hear.
I’m sadden to hear he is no longer with us. I love hearing his different voices he created in your series. My prayers goes out to his family and friends.
I loved listening to John Michael Morgan’s voice, I have read all of Sylvain Reynard’s Gabriel Series, but also have all the books on audio, just to enjoy listening to John Michael Morgan. I always thought he was the voice of our beloved Gabriel, but when Sylvain Reynard’s Florentine Series came out on audio, and that too I have all the books, John Michael Morgan was meant to be the voice of our Prince of Florence.. His voice will be truly missed with the next book in The Florentine Series, but it will be his voice that will live in my heart and mind when listening. My condolences to his family and REST IN PEACE MR. MORGAN!! ?? ??
Dear Mr. Reynard, Thank you for this post. I am, gratefully, John Michael Morgan’s mother, so your words were sweet music to my ears and my heavy heart. John told me that he narrated books and felt privileged to be able to continue, when opportunities to narrate books became less available. But as with any of his achievements, he was reticent to talk about the number of recorded books, your satisfaction, or his reader devotees. His passing has left a huge gaping hole in the fabric of my being, so upon hearing this sample recording, I want to hear more. Which book would you recommend I purchase? Should this transaction be through you directly or a vendor?
Thank you again. You have blessed me and my family this day.
Dear Mrs. Morgan,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sympathy and condolences to you and your family.
Thank you for taking the time to post this message.
John did a remarkable job with all of my books – and there were two series that he recorded. So I’d recommend starting either with “Gabriel’s Inferno” or “The Raven,” each of which were the first book in a series. You will be amazed at the range, subtlety, and depth John brings to each of the characters. He is a true favourite of my readers and we have all enjoyed his performances so much. It’s probably easiest to purchase through Audible.com: http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_mn_mt_ano_tseft__galileo?advsearchKeywords=sylvain+reynard&x=0&y=0 You can listen to samples of his other recordings there. All the best, SR
I am interested in obtaining copies of of your work with John’s narration.
Please provide information about the source for me & others to purchase these works.
Thank you,
Sally Bisbee
Thank you Sally.
On Audible.com, you can see the list of recordings John made and hear samples of each. His performances are really incredible. Here’s the link: http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_mn_mt_ano_tseft__galileo?advsearchKeywords=sylvain+reynard&x=0&y=0
Thank you kindly, SR
It saddens me to hear about the passing ofthis amazing actor and narrator, but I am grateful to you for drawing it to my attention. Your books are some of my favorite, and it is always way too long in between publication of your next book. But I am also an avid audiobook listener ~ and one does become very discriminating in who one considers to be an exceptional narrator, and he was — without a doubt — among those rare few who not only adequately deliver to readers a story ~ but enhance the readers experience in relishing the story to its fullest. Those who I consider to be of his caliber are among a talented few. So very sorry especially for the family and loved ones, but also for the loss to everyone out there who were gifted with the beauty of an excellently delivered tale.
Just came across this announcement. I’m currently listening to the Gabriel series as my third “reread” Mr. Morgan’s narration is wonderful. So sorry to hear of his passing.
My name’s Adam, and I had the honor and the privilege of directing John on the Gabriel’s series, several other books through the years, and finally again this January on another audiobook project. I’ve got to say, he was one of the nicest, most dedicated men I’ve ever worked with. I’d curse the fact that he could record from 12pm until 1am, and only would take a break when I ran screaming for the bathroom (I swear, he was more than human!) but I’d give just about anything to work with him again. The last time I saw him, we’d just finished some excerpts from a Laura Ingals Wilder book, and he gave me this big hug. I prayed I’d get to see him again, but sadly it wasn’t to be. I do think it’s amazing that his work and voice are still out there for posterity, and I was glad to stumble upon this thread on a whim today. Thanks everyone who’s listened to his books, and thanks Sylvain for writing the books that led me to work with such a cool guy.
-AJC
Dear Adam,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences with all who are fans of Sylvain Reynard’s novels and the incredibly gifted talents of John Michael Morgan.
I am happy but definitely not surprised to learn that he had super human powers!
I completely felt a loss when listening to the latest SR book Gabriel’s Promise (which left me sad and missing JMM’s Perfect Voice).
Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts and your tribute to a most talented artist.
RIP ~ JMM
I am deeply saddened to hear of John Michael Morgan passing. I listened to him narrate the Gabriel trilogy and both Raven and the Shadow. He brought so much more life into the stories that I love. I will miss his wonderful voice and beautiful pronunciation of words in English and other languages. I loved his talent of being able to get into each character and own it from the different tones of voices and the accents.
You will definitely be missed my sweet voice. My condolences to his family and friends. ♡
I loved his voice so so much!!! I never heard more beautiful voice of a man
This is positively heart breaking news. He so embodied the stodgy, sexy, dry Gabriel. He was a remarkable talent and will be sorely missed.
I’m so sorry to hear the passing of John Morgan. I recently listened to Gabriel’s Inferno, John brought the story to life. He was my Gabriel. Your story and John’s voice helped to deal with a loss of my best friend & lover of 29 years. As I was listening the more I realized how much my Petros was Gabriel. His sensitivity, his kindness, his sexiness and the way he treated me like a princess. All of this as we traveled the world. I feel so fortunate that I did have a Gabriel for 29 years. Sure is more that most people can say!
Many thanks to you and John for bringing me to my senses!
I’m so sorry to read about John M. Morgan. I’ve listened to his voice in both series and it became familiar and comforting. I am saddened to find that he passed. He was truly a great performer. Thank you. Your beautiful voice and performance will continue to enamor many!
I am so sad right now. I had no idea that John had passed away… I was looking for more narration from him via internet search, and saw that he is no longer with us. I can’t say enough great things about his voice and performance. I fell in love instantly, as he narrated Gabriel’s Inferno. I am new to your books, and I am a fan. I wish that it was sooner rather than later, in finding your writings! Thank you and to John for the incredible work. He will always be in my thoughts and heart.
Thank you Chantal.
He was an incredible performer and his sorely missed.
I know he had narrated a number of other books for Penguin, so you may find him if you do a search on Audible.
All the best and thank you for listening,
SR.
I am a newer fan of Sylvain Reynard and his books. I’ve read the first five books in order. As I was telling someone about the books and movie, it was suggested that I listen on audio which I never had before.
Wow! Wow, is all I can say. John Michael Morgan did a wonderful job narrating the book. I am so saddened right now to find this beautiful voice has passed. I was so intrigued I wanted to google Mr. Morgan and learn more of him. Another soul gone too soon.
Thank you for selecting this man with a voice that touches. May his lasting memory continue to bless us all.
Thank you so much, Cheryl.
I was very saddened by his death.
Your words are a good tribute to him as his work continues to bless others.
Thank you,
SR
May, 2021
I am late discovering Sylvain Reynard’s wonderful novels and have just read the complete Gabriel series and beginning the Florentine series today. Having experienced the Audiobooks was especially a treat with the discovery of John Michael Morgan, whose narration of the first 3 Gabriel books transcended any narrations I’ve heard previously. His gift to embody each rich character in your books was completely captivating and was especially disappointed when he was not the narrator for your most recent book, Gabriel’s Promise.
I just knew something had to be wrong, and upon inquiring, have learned of this wonderful and talented actor’s passing.
I am so sorry & extend my sincere condolences to all his family and those fortunate to have known him and his work.
RIP, JMM
Thank you so much for your very kind words.
All best, SR.